Emilitsa Restaurant Review

: Set among the many hip pizza and taco spots in Portland's Art District, Emilitsa is an oasis of refinement. While it describes its food as "Greek Rustic Fare," the menu seems more elegant, though still rooted in familiar Mediterranean flavors. Start with pan-fried sheep’s milk kefalograviera cheese with baby Turkish balsamic peppered figs for a mix of salt and sweet, or classic grilled Mediterranean octopus drizzled with unfiltered extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Go on to the marinated and grilled baby lamb chops with sautéed baby spinach and a feta-parsnip potato mash. The whole daurade, the mild white fish from Greece, is charcoal-grilled --- flaky and earthy. Desserts include traditional baklava and sweet-and-sour creations made with yogurt, such as panna cotta with mountain honey and mango. The wine list is all Greek as well, and staff can easily recommend a glass or bottle for the uninitiated.